Description: In May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grantís armies
converged on Vicksburg, investing the city and entrapping a Confederate
army under Lt. Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after
prolonged siege operations. This was the culmination of one of the most
brilliant military campaigns of the war. With the loss of Pembertonís army
and this vital stronghold on the Mississippi, the Confederacy was effectively
split in half. Grant's successes in the West boosted his reputation, leading
ultimately to his appointment as General-in-Chief of the Union armies.